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Overview
Described as “Gods Own Country”, the lush tropics of Kerala is a haven for the mind and body. Whether you are cruising along the canals of Kerala’s backwaters listening to the music of an amazing variety of tropical birds or if you are experiencing an unforgettable, traditional Ayurvedic massage, Kerala is sure to invigorate your soul and revive your senses. Kerala’s history is closely linked with its commerce, which, until recent times, revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travelers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. The influence of the traders can be appreciated through the delectable cuisine of Kerala which will tempt your palette as you are enticed by the aromatic scents of the incredible assortment of the famous dishes of Kerala. This journey to Kerala is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of this coastal paradise while at the same time be intrigued and entertained by the experiences available to you.
Tour Highlights
- This unique journey begins in Kochi, otherwise known as Cochin, a major city in South India which borders on the Arabian Sea.
- Take a tour through Cochin which offers a chance to stroll through the quaint city where you will see daily life in this tropical part of India.
- Visit a tea plantation in Munnar where we learn about the cultural, historical, and economic significance of tea in South India.
- Embark on an exciting voyage aboard the famous houseboats of Kerala where we spend the night gazing at the stars as we float along the backwaters of this incredible land. This journey to Kerala is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of this coastal paradise while at the same time be intrigued and entertained by the experiences available to you.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Kochi
After breakfast transfer to domestic airport to board your flight for Kochi. Upon arrival our representative will greet you at Kochi Airport and then transfer to the hotel.
Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.
Cochin Sightseeing – Paradesi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried.
By Evening, enjoy Greenix Show which is a kaleidoscope of Indian classical art forms and martial arts. Showcasing quintessentially magnificent vignettes of Kerala’s rich cultural traditions, Kaleidoscope Kerala is essentially an exclusive, uniquely choreographed repertoire of live classical dance and music performed in a heritage theatre with legendary ritualistic folk invocations and martial arts. It is a medley of many authentic dances of Kerala, especially the sheer splendor of a magical rendezvous with the languid, mellifluously lyrical and graceful Mohiniattam, dance of the enchantress – exquisitely devotional for some, sublimely sensual for others; the rigorously codified majestic spectacle of Kathakali, Kerala’s trademark dance drama instantly recognizable for its dazzling regalia and trance-inducing rhythms, the stunningly totemic and surreally oracular manifestation of the divine in the folk tradition of Theyyam, among a breathtaking mélange of inimitable performing art forms accompanied by soul-stirring ensembles of pristine musical genres, dominated by the mesmerizing roll of the ‘demonic’ drum, chenda.”Return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature KochiFragrant Nature Kochi
Bazaar Rd, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682001, Indiahttp://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsKochi+91 484 221 3600Fort Kochi. Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cradle of the ancient Spice Route. Sanctuary for seafarers and adventurers. Start your day by walking down the streets of history. Explore the eateries, taste their eclectic cuisine. Survey the emporiums and antique markets. Ponder the mechanism of the Chinese Fishing nets. Blend with the dynamics of the spice markets. Listen to the multilingual rhythms of a cosmopolitan conversation. Photograph colonial-era buildings. Let your soul go supine in historic churches, synagogues and grottos.
Fragrant Nature, Kochi—a boutique 5 star hotel—features contemporary styled rooms with magnificent views of the harbour. Located in the erstwhile office of East India Company, the majestic facade with a clock tower is a landmark. The hotel features period trompe-l’œil art work by two popular English artists in the lobby—emphasising importance of art element in the boutique design. Loose yourself to the breathtaking luxury, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Explore a range of cuisines at the famed specialty restaurant—a dining experience conjured with choicest flavours. Watch your stress and little niggles seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Simply be you.
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Day 2:
Kochi
After breakfast proceed to visit Kumbalangi, a village located outside Cochin and is identified as the first model fisheries village in India. On arrival at the village board a country boat to reach mainland and you can see the village folk engaged in different activities for their livelihood, may be a woman in her village provision shop, a farmer in his paddy field, a fisherman spreading his net, a kid with a fishing net ….it goes on. Later enjoy a sumptuous lunch which will tickle your taste buds. After lunch take a ‘tuk-tuk’ ride through the narrow country roads and you will be dropped to the car parking point.
After lunch drive back to hotel & free for independent activities & shopping.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature KochiFragrant Nature Kochi
Bazaar Rd, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682001, Indiahttp://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsKochi+91 484 221 3600Fort Kochi. Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cradle of the ancient Spice Route. Sanctuary for seafarers and adventurers. Start your day by walking down the streets of history. Explore the eateries, taste their eclectic cuisine. Survey the emporiums and antique markets. Ponder the mechanism of the Chinese Fishing nets. Blend with the dynamics of the spice markets. Listen to the multilingual rhythms of a cosmopolitan conversation. Photograph colonial-era buildings. Let your soul go supine in historic churches, synagogues and grottos.
Fragrant Nature, Kochi—a boutique 5 star hotel—features contemporary styled rooms with magnificent views of the harbour. Located in the erstwhile office of East India Company, the majestic facade with a clock tower is a landmark. The hotel features period trompe-l’œil art work by two popular English artists in the lobby—emphasising importance of art element in the boutique design. Loose yourself to the breathtaking luxury, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Explore a range of cuisines at the famed specialty restaurant—a dining experience conjured with choicest flavours. Watch your stress and little niggles seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Simply be you.
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Day 3:
Kochi – Munnar
After breakfast drive to Munnar, the place where the unfolded green carpet is waiting for you. Munnar is breathtakingly beautiful, a haven of peace and tranquility – the idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country. Munnar is the gateway of Hills in South India. Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days On the way you can also watch the adorable waterfalls in Cheeyappara. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Relax for a while amidst the comforts of your room. Explore rest of the day along with the nature. Overnight stay at the Hotel/Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature MunnarFragrant Nature Munnar
Bison Valley - Pooppara Rd, Pothemmedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612, Indiahttps://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsMunnar+91-4868-257-800Experience highlands
The shrill whistle of a bird. Somewhere, a window opens. Voila! A stunning view of mist-clad mountains. Feel the chill of the magnificent heights. Drink in the crisp air. Hug your woolens tight. Watch the sun idle on the sweeping meadows. Gently calling you outdoors. Time to set your inner compass. Hike through the breathtaking scenery. Caress the dew-scaled tea-leaves. Engage in silent conversation with a timid Nilgiri Tahr. Witness the Neelakurinji bloom. Draw deep on the fragrance of nature. Discover your soul.
Fragrant Nature—a luxury 5-star hotel with the finest vantage views of the verdant mountains—is situated in a choice location of Munnar. Lose yourself to the postcard scenery, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Fragrant Nature Munnar is styled similar to local planter bungalows with cozy fireplaces in every room. Our All-day dining restaurant showcases the best of North/South Indian & Arab delicacies with the choicest ingredients and exotic pairing. Watch your stress and little worries seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic spa massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Be you.
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Day 4:
Munnar
After the breakfast proceed for a morning sightseeing trip of Munnar; visiting the Eravikulam National Park where you can see the very rare mountain goats locally called the Nilgiri Tahr, as well Tata Tea Museum. Proceed to Mattupetty Dam site and Kundala which offers many alluring sights to relish. Kundala is a picturesque town located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Stop by to see the colourful flowers in Blossom Garden. Overnight stay at the Hotel/Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Devonshire Greens Leisure HotelDevonshire Greens Leisure Hotel
Attukad Waterfall Road, Pallivasal P.O,, Munnar, Kerala 685612, Indiahttp://devonshiregreens.com/+91 85920 01044Welcome to Devonshire greens, a Premium luxury resort in Munnar that makes your holiday the most memorable among the best resorts in Munnar. Perched on the edges of mountains with scintillating view of relentless tea plantations and rich flora and Fauna, this mesmerizing holiday resort in Munnar enchants the tourists by its visually appealing sights.
Nestled in silence, enriching harmony in tune with nature with a variety of trees and birds, the resort occupies major tourist attractions. Offering stunning views along with unrivaled services and excellent food, Devonshire is exceptionally counted as the best among resorts in Munnar.
Devonshire greens resort Munnar, one of the top resorts in Munnar, makes your holiday in Munnar the most memorable. Devonshire Greens resort, a premium luxury resorts in Munnar is exceptionally counted as the best among resorts and hotels in Munnar.
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Day 5:
Munnar – Thekkady (Periyar)
After the breakfast proceed to Thekkady which offers diverse attractions like Wildlife Sanctuary, Hill Station and Spice Plantation. Natures own little hideout nestled in the hills of Thekkady.
Afternoon proceed to the attractive Wild life Sanctuary. The place where you go for a Wildlife cruise to view a large variety of wildlife like Wild Elephants, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar Deer, Wild Bison, Wild Boar etc, and quite a lot of unique birds can also be spotted. Evening visit Spice plantation & drive back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Greenwoods ResortGreenwoods Resort
K.K .Road, Kumily, Thekkady, Kumily, 685509, Indiahttps://www.greenwoods.in/+91 94465 74383Greenwoods is a luxury nature resort in Kerala located in Thekkady. Plan your visit to the verdant locale surrounded by dense forests and be settled comfortably in this premier Thekkady resort. Trek through the spice plantations, hill slopes and explore the naturally-endowed location. Wake up to the melody of birds, walk through the green orchards and enjoy discovering the serene, pure and unpolluted environs of Thekkady. Settle comfortably in Greenwoods, the premier 5-star resort in Kerala, plan your nature explorations and transform your visit to the green country as an exhilarating experience.
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Day 6:
Thekkady – Alleppey (Back Water Cruise on Houseboat)
After the breakfast proceed Alleppey boat Jetty to board the beautifully decorated houseboat and begin the enchanting backwater cruising. The backwaters of Kerala is a unique product of Kerala and is found no where else in the world. A glide in a “Kettuvallam” (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters is sure to rob your heart. You’re in a watery universe, so quiet, even you can hear your own blood pumping around your head. Sparkling greens, emerald backwaters, coir-laden houseboats and magical beauty heals your mind and body as you travel to surreal Kerala. Overnight stay in the Houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Lakes And LagoonsLakes And Lagoons
Near Pallathuruthy Bridge, Kochupalam Road, Pallathuruthy, Alappuzha, Kerala 688003, Indiahttp://lakeslagoons.com/index.php+91 477 226 6842Lakes & Lagoons is the first & only ISO 9001 – 2015 certified Houseboat Tour Company in kerala. With a fleet of more than 25 luxury Houseboat, Lakes & Lagoons offer the best backwater cruise journeys. Situated in Alleppey – A real natural treasure house, visually splendid with the blue of the lake & the green of the palms & vegetation, active with the aquatic life & local villages engaged in everyday errands.
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Day 7:
Alleppey – Kochi – Delhi
Dis-embark from the house boat and then we will begin 2 hour drive to Kochi airport to board your flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport you are met by our local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Novotel New Delhi AerocityNovotel New Delhi Aerocity
Asset No 02 Gmr Hospitality District, Igi Airport New Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, Indiahttps://all.accor.com/hotel/7560/index.en.shtml+91-11-4608-0808The hotel is located adjacent to both international & domestic airport terminals and is well connected through the Airport Express Line, just 5 minutes away. The Novotel New Delhi Aerocity is near the business hubs of Gurgaon, New Delhi, and Cyber City. It is also located close to Delhi’s shopping malls, including DLF Promenade, Emporio, and Worldmark. A big complex of 670 rooms, Novotel and Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, is a preferred destination for both business & leisure travelers.
Novotel New Delhi Aerocity has Food Exchange, a Multi-Cuisine Buffet restaurant offering an exceptional culinary experience comprising Indian, Asian and European flavors coupled with an impeccable ambiance. Further, Quoin is a 24×7 Sports Bar. The ballroom and meeting spaces at Novotel and Pullman New Delhi Aerocity are known for Car launches, Product launches, Medical Seminars, Expos, and Exhibitions. Being one of the biggest ballrooms in Delhi NCR, it provides bespoke MICE offerings.
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Day 8:
Delhi – Home
In time you are met by an Explore India representative and transferred to international airport for your onward journey.
What’s included
- Accommodation as per the program in one double room
- Daily breakfast and dinner throughout the program plus 1 lunch
- Meet and assist along with escorted transfers
- Premium houseboat backwater cruise in Alleppey with full board
- Air Conditioned chauffeured driven vehicle
- Services of an Explore India experienced tour guides
- Kathakali dance show at Cochin
- Kumabalangi local Village visit with lunch
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Bottled water during sightseeing tours and all long drives.
What’s excluded
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
- Services other than in our inclusion
- Gratuities
Add this to your tour!
This is a tour extension. Add this on to a tour of your liking. Contact us on how you can extend your journey.Recent Reviews
Namaste Nazir, Thank you for your email and welcome home. My trip to India was " incredible" indeed! It is hard to put the experience into words as it is another world there. Explore India met all my expectations and makes it clear that they aim to please their guests. I would not hesitate to recommend your company to anyone. Is it excellent value too. Keep up the good work. Best wishes,
Colleen Sinclair
Toronto, Canada
Thank you for the lovely message welcoming us home! Our tour to India was fantastic! We had a wonderful group of fun, enthusiastic and outgoing traveling companions. Tom and I were happy that we had chosen to arrive a day early as it gave us a chance to rest up before the tour, do some exploring on our own and also meet some of the others on tour. I must say, that we were very impressed with the way that we were greeted and escorted throughout the trip, from the warm welcome we had on our first day with Manzoor and Raj to the last drop off at the airport traveling home. We even took advantage of exchanging Canadian dollars into rupees using the “Karnai Bank”! Every detail was looked after. Our guide for the northern portion of the tour, Ashish, was the perfect host; knowledgeable, accommodating, and entertaining. The experience of seeing the historical sights, sampling the various dishes and immersing ourselves into this colourful culture exceeded our expectations. We can’t say enough about how well the itinerary was planned with enough time to see the sights and enjoy some down time back at the hotel. We found the accommodations to be top notch, comfortable, offering a wide selection of food items and almost all had free wifi available. We were pleased to have had the opportunity to see both the north and south of India. Thank you Nazir for suggesting the additional tour to Kerala. It is a totally different side of India that we would have otherwise missed. We absolutely loved the beautiful mountain vistas of the terraced tea plantations and the time spent on the houseboat touring the backwaters was magical. What a great way to end our stay! The only suggestion that I can offer at this time is to build in some extra time at the beautiful resorts in which we stayed. It would have been wonderful to take advantage of the services they offered, especially at the Spice Village Resort. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Mandira for helping us organize this excursion and for helping us navigate through the process of acquiring an Indian visa. Thank you also to Nazir and the whole Explore India team both in Canada and abroad. This was truly a most memorable tour and a trip of a lifetime! Thank you! Dhanyavaad!
Angela and Thomas Hall
Toronto, Canada
It's great to back home and I have to say in spite of a few hick ups it was a great trip, but more importantly I must congratulate the entire Explore India staff, if there is a problem not only is it dealt with swiftly, but more importantly it's not only followed up with words but also with action. My wife and I have dealt with many travel agents and tour companies, But, I have never dealt with one such as Explore India who sincerely care about how you feel and that are genuinely concerned that you have an enjoyable time, my sincere thanks to you, Nazir and the rest of Explore India staff.
Monty and Mary Beth Flom
Kelowna, Canada
Hi Nazir, Thanks for your welcome home note. I had a very enjoyable and interesting trip. We packed so much into each day thanks to the attention, knowledge and persistence of our wonderful leader, Arvind Sharma and the excellent bus drivers and their assistants on every journey. Namaste
Natalie Kotyck
Toronto, Canada
I got home yesterday from a fascinating and wonderful tour of India. The excellent service that we received from your colleague and support staff made this trip a success. Rajeev was very attentive and personable and I was pleasantly surprised that he took the time to phone and talk to each and every member of our group, in the middle of our tour, to hear of any concern that we may have. Such commitment to great customer service is to be commended. My sincere thanks to you, Rajeev, and all members of the team for the excellent service. I will definitely recommend Explore India to family and friends.
Elisa Lam Lau
Vancouver, Canada
I would like to say how much Janet and I enjoyed our recent trip to India and to commend you and your company for the organization of the trip. We would particularly like to recognize the efforts of our tour guide Yuvraj Singh for whom nothing was too much trouble and who was always helpful and informative and polite in answering our many questions. In closing, I would have no hesitation in recommending your company to any future prospective travellers to India. I hope both Yuvraj and yourself are in good health and I wish both of you and Explore India well in the future.
Michael Champniss & Janet Davis
Bowen Island, Canada
Hello All, John and I arrived home at 5:15 am this morning. Flight was on time and our departure from Delhi went smoothly. We just wanted to write to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip and especially how much we enjoyed our guide Mr. Sharma. All of our hotels were excellent, service outstanding and food delicious (including the presentation of it!). Mr. Sharma’s comments and detailed descriptions were both informative and entertaining. His handling of the confusion surrounding our return flight from Varanasi to Delhi and his ability to solve the problem calmly and professionally was much appreciated by the entire group. At no time did we doubt that Mr. Sharma would make sure we returned to Delhi with ample time to prepare ourselves for our long journey home last night. Thank you to all staff in your offices, both Canada and India. We will definitely recommend Explore India to our friends. Namaste! Gael Robertson-Craig John Craig
Gael & John Craig
Thornhill, ON, Canada
Just a short note to thank you for your efforts regarding our recent trip. All of us appreciated the attention to detail and service that we received both prior to and during the trip Rajeev was excellent in keeping abreast of everything that was going on and keeping us informed. The guides were very good especially Deshpal (? ) and the gentleman in Varanassi. Through them we not only got an appreciation of each city and its highlites but also a better understanding of what India is really all about. The accommodations were truly first class so much so that we couldn't wait to see what the next one offered, impossible to grade one over another. Without doubt an outstanding experience. I'm sure I can speak for the Kavanaghs when I say if you need to use either of us as a reference please feel free. Thanks again and best wishes for the future.
Peter & Dell Langham
Toronto, Canada
We have finally got a minute to collect our thoughts and tell you what a fabulous trip we had with you and your team. Since returning on November 23rd from our 35 day trip of a lifetime to India, it was everything we had hoped for. As our guide in Varanasi said when speaking of his city, some people hate it and some people love it, but nobody will ever forget it. We think this thought could well apply to India in general. With that in mind, WE LOVED IT and will never forget it. You were the perfect tour director, with your great attention to detail and endless personal connections making everything seem so seamless for us. Your team through the trip were wonderful ambassadors for the country; they loved their work and loved to tell us about India. We were so glad that you sold us on including Kashmir in the itinerary; it is a very special place, I have about 3000 photos to cull and organize, and these will provide hours of memories. When I get them sorted, I will send along a few for your files.
Ian & Cathy Lang
Waterloo, Canada
We had a fantastic time on your organized tour over the 12 nights and 13 days spent in India. Your contact in New Delhi Mr. K.R.Joshi was very helpful. He met us at the Park Hotel the 1st day we went there. He gave us all the Hotel Vouchers, Travel Car arrangements, Rail sleeper car Tickets and the internal Flight Travel Vouchers. He stayed in touch with us all the time and contacted us through the various drivers in all the Cities. He also met us on the eve of our departure. Also we have to mention your contact in Srinagar, Kashmir, Mr. Rafeek. He booked us in a super luxury Houseboat. He brought us new towels and soap from his own home as the ones supplied by the Boathouse were not too good. The boat house-keeper was excellent. He served the meals personally and waited on us till we finished the meal. The meals supplied by him were really good. He made special Kashmir Biriyani and mutton curry for us for the last dinner. We also have to mention about your driver Mr. Hilal in Srinagar who brought us to the local airport from the boat-house. He came with us right through to airport security with our luggage and booked us at the check-in desk and took us to the Airport gate for our flight. He was very helpful as not many clerks at this airport spoke English and the security was very strict. All your drivers came on time to pick us for the Tours. They were very courteous and very careful. Your travel guides were very knowledgeable and good. Please mention the baggage allowance in writing along with your e-tickets. We had difficulty at Varnasi Airport with the check-in clerk. She said we both can take only two pieces with a combined weight of 40 kg. She delayed us over 25 minutes at the check-in and we had remove some clothes from our bags into our hand luggage. This is the only snag we had in India. We would gladly recommend your services and travel bookings to other Canadians who would like to see a good part of India. Also we would like to advise people never to travel on your own to a country like India.
Sudu & Rani Gunadasa
Vancouver, Canada
Tour Extensions
Check & Compare
You can read hundreds of online reviews of destinations and hotels, but with our up-to-date first-hand knowledge, we will be able to compare and contrast different options and ensure we find something that is just right for you.
You will travel to India like a member of our own family. Our deep love and passion for India and its people, we are a family owned and operated luxury travel company.
Planning a trip needs careful care and attention to detail and that is where Explore India comes in with the passion to make every tour a hassle-free and memorable one for each of our guests.
Be sure to take notice of our standard of accommodation, the specialized sightseeing trips, the seamless flow of the itinerary, the comfort of the coach you will travel in, the customized dining experiences, and much more.
FEEL CONFIDENT TRAVELING WITH EXPLORE INDIA
No company is big or small when you have 100% capability of exceeding guest expectations. A rating of 10 out of 10 does not adequately reflect the level of the experience and value of the tour that we provide to India especially for the first time visitors. Explore India’s success can be traced all the way back to those early days of learning what it means to be a host and to this day, our motto is to treat the guest like a member of the family. A sure testimonial to the business, given the fact that many Canadians have travelled not one, not twice, but three times with Explore India, the early teachings seem to have paid off, as touring to India with us is a sought-after experience in Canada and beyond.